Express Combo Build

[mikeBoone]

I searched the forum and didn't see anything directly related to this... Has anyone built an Express in a combo cabinet?

The reason I ask is I would prefer to arrange the tubes the way a Tweed is done with the tubes mounted on the edge of the chassis so they hang down rather than protrude inward. I have an Orange Rocker 30 build that way and it gets kinda hot and it also very awkward to change the tubes.

I have cloned the Rocker 30 with the tubes arranged like a tweed with very good results, but i am brand new to TW's and seeking the input of experienced builders.

If sticking to the traditional chassis design is critical, I can do that too and deal with the issues.

[M Fowler]

Yes some of us have built TW Express combos.

[mikeBoone]

Awesome, thanks. I will post pics and likely have many questions along the way.

[Richie]

Looks Great Mark

[vincenz]

I have to say that mine did not work well, because of vibrations and layout changes... today this amp does not exist anymore. I built a new one (head) which works very fine

[img:400:281]https://tubeamparchive.com/files/thumbs/t_103_157.jpg[/img]

[M Fowler]

The last picture was my build. Works great, I think I used o'rings on the EL34's.

The red one was built by Dana Hall.
I forget who built the other combo is was wrapped in paisley.

[Gibsonman63]

Handling tube vibration may be the trick. I built an Express head that I use a lot. Mine really does not like to sit on the speaker cabinet.

[M Fowler]

I had problems in a 212 Line6 cab and changed to the 112 Weber cab. With o'ring tube dampers it works quite well.

I have a very nice combo amp custom built for me that I paid $2100 that had tube rattle and resorted to o-rings to solve the issue so one never knows when that problem is going to hit you but you can solve vibration problems as they arise.

Not sure if the experts can tell us about tube brands or tube designs that would be better suited for tubes down combo use. Maybe some have thicker glass or etc.

Mark